RIP BABY

[LuckyPumps]

I'm being selfish by taking room on the board to post Baby so you can all say a little prayer for her. Anna




Baby was a dog I adopted last August from PCDR. They continued to pay all her medical bills.

She had been an outdoor dog for the first five years of her life and neglected-with her dog pal, Buddy. The people moved leaving the dogs behind, and through a series of concerned people, she found herself at PCDR. Buddy was adopted a few months later.

In any case, Baby had server flea dermititis and it compromised her immune system. On a good day, she only had fur on about 65% of her body. She had two medicated baths a week and went to a dermatologist, a regular vet and a holistic vet.

A few months ago Baby was diagnosed with lymphoma. But it didn't seem to bother her.

Unfortunately, for the past two weeks, she progressively had problems walking with her back legs. On Saturday, she lost the use of her front legs as well. I was able to spend all of Sunday and Monday with her, telling her how loved she was. Although her body gave out on her, she still had a wonderful appetite. Between chicken and more chicken, she ate ravioli and loads of cheese.

Baby was the kindest and gentlest soul ever. I adopted (or permanently fostered!) her last August and it was a treat to watch her do things that she never had – get on the couch, sleep on the bed, eat good food. Our time with her was too short, but the love and gratitude from her that both myself and my roommate Shannika, received from her was worth it all.

She will definitely be missed.

RIP Baby.

I also know that the best way, whenever possible, for an animal to reach Rainbow Bridge is to have a vet come to your home. Dr. Liz Friedman came for Baby and Royal Pet Mortuary handled the body. It's less stress on the animal and so very peaceful. More info here:

http://www.ashleyandhobie.com/resources.php

BTW - One of our board members, Poppy Victoria, took the above pictures of Baby to include in her book about senior dogs that have been adopted.

[LuckyPumps]

Just wanted to add my thoughts to Anna's post. Despite all her physical problems, Baby was a beautiful dog and having her around for the last year of her life really confirmed to me the joys and emotional reward of adopting/fostering a senior - especially one who really hasn't had much of a life before. Although she only had one year in Anna's home - it was a great home! She finally had brothers and a sister, went for walks, hikes (although she was as a slow as snail on those!), hogged the entire sofa and a family who loved her. I was able to see for the last time on Sunday and able to say goodbye with lot of very sweet kisses.

RIP Baby ... like the saying goes, "Dogs have only one fault - they don't live long enough."

Kim
Moderator

[LabFreak]

Wow ..what a beuatiful sweet girl..happy YOU had her Anna....soo sorry for your loss
Rose

[dogrbest5]

I am so sorry for your loss of Baby but think of her running the green fields of Rainbow Bridge.

[andrehereboy]

So sorry for your loss. It's a shock for me to see Baby's picture--reminds me so much of my older dog, Andre

[pandabear]

I am very sorry for your loss. I have a couple a tears in my eyes because I knew Baby. I was a volunteer at PCDR and I knew Baby well. Even though I am sad for Baby, I am glad she had a such a wonderful home the last year of her life. Again, I am very sorry for your loss.

[cani]

Just looking at that adorable face, how could you not fall in love with her. You probably gave her the best year of her life. So sorry for your loss.

[kimszoo]

Don't Weep for Me
Do not stand at my grave and weep,
I am not there, I do not sleep.

I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glint on snow.
I am the sun on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.

When you awake in morning's hush,
I am the swift, uplifting rush
of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft starlight at night.
Do not stand by my grave and cry,
I am not there;
I did not die.
- Mary Frye

A Message from Above

To those of you who've lost a friend,
And feel the pain will never end.
Sit in silence, hear my word,
Know deep inside you will be heard.
Here with me, I have your friend,
Restored to life that never ends.
Sent to you for a time so short,
You're left with feelings you need to sort.
Beneath the hurt, beneath the pain,
The clouds will part amidst the rain.
Listen hard for the sweet soft voice,
And know within you made the choice
To open up to unconditional love,
Created for you in the heavens above.
My angels return to sit at my hand,
Some lie at my feet, some majestically stand.
A love too pure to remain on Earth,
A suffering soul whom I've given rebirth.
My child dry your tears, let go the anger and hate,
Know I am here with your friend, and for you we await.
The day the bridge opens, to let you across,
Your friend dashing to greet you, you'll forget your great loss.
My home is a mansion, so wide and so tall,
Inside my mansion there is room for all.
So sit in silence and hear my word,
Know deep inside you have been heard.

— Author Unknown



May I go Now

May I go now?
Do you think the time is right?
May I say goodbye to painful days,
And endless lonely nights?
I've lived my life and done my best,
An example I tried to be.
So can I take the step
Beyond and set my spirit free?

I didn't want to go at first,
I fought with all my might.
But something seems to draw me now,
To a warm and loving light.
I want to go, I really do,
It's difficult to stay.
But I will try as best I can,
to live one more day.

To give you time to care for me,
And share your loves and fears.
I know you’re sad and afraid,
I see it in your tears.
I'll not be far I promise that,
And hope you'll always know,
That my spirit will be close to you,
Wherever you may go.

Thank you so for loving me.
You know I love you too.
That's why it's hard to say goodbye,
And end this life with you.
So hold me now just one more time,
And let me hear you say.
Because you care so much for me,
You'll let me go today.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~